I am about to buy a used Airstream because they are simple and will last along time. But, and there is always a but, in my trailer life mag this unit has my interest and but I do not know what RV stands 4 or can spell it. Get me in the loop. Thanks Spikedog

Welcome Spike, to the non aluminum fiberglass world. Escape Trailers, hand built in Canada are shaped like Airstreams but do not have any rivets, which the typical Airstream has 3,000. Each rivet is a potential leak. The solid fiberglass only has openings for windows and roof vents. If a leak were to occur there are drain holes to allow the water to escape. With an Airstream any leak means floor damage. Fiberglass walls are warmer and cooler in winter and summer whereas aluminum will transmit the heat and cold to the inside via the metal walls. In addition you will find the Escape trailer will be lighter. Check them out Escape Trailer Industries â€“ Chilliwack, British Columbia

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JimThe two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why………..Mark Twain

I watched a TV show on where they showed how Airstreams are built. They rivet the sections together and then caulk all of the seams. A caulked seam is bound to leak sooner or later plus how much vibration comes into play when on the road will be a factor. Escape has one seam which is fiberglassed when the top and bottom are assembled. Durability and quality were the number one requirement I had and Cathy loved the interior so we put our money down on an Escape. Loren

But (IMHO) boiling it down to the most directly practical difference between the two types, the weight factor is key. I see Airstreams as beautiful, luxurious, solid tanks. By comparison, I see the Escape as a beautiful, practical feather. More weight translates into higher driving costs... not just sticker price, or MPG, but tow vehicle limitations too. If the virtual cost of ownership keys on where the buck stops, you gotta go fiberglass.

__________________Myron"A billion here, a billion there...add it all up and before you know it you're talking real money."Everett Dirkson

spikedog, go ahead and buy the Airstreem if you're getting a good deal. The fact that you're willing to buy one is proof that they are still desirable which means you'll be able to sell it when you change your mind.

Hi Spike, if you're seriously considering purchasing a used Airstream, I strongly suggest you join the Airforum. It's a forum, owned by Social Knowledge who also owns the EscapeForum. You'll be able to gain knowledge from Airstream owners, particularly on issues to check out when buying used.